Modern Studies (National 5)

The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Quali2cations Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series. www.parentforumscotland.org enquiries@parentforumscotland.org

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parentforumscot DEC2017 For more detailed course information: SQA: Modern Studies National 5: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45702.html Education Scotland: www.education.gov.scot/nationalqualifications Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile: www.education.gov.scot/parentzone/Documents/CfEFactfileOverview.pdf NATIONALS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland National 5 Summary WHAT WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE? • Active and independent learning through self and peer evaluations, reflecting on learning, setting targets, learning logs • A blend of classroom approaches including visits and real life contexts; teamwork approaches; whole class learning; staff-led questioning; discussion and debate • Collaborative learning: in groups and with others locally, nationally and internationally; inter-curricular projects with English, maths and other social studies • Space for personalisation and choice: flexibility in the themes which can be studied. Learners also choose their assignment topic and their methods of researching and presenting evidence • Applying learning • Embedding literacy and numeracy skills: researching and presenting information including statistics; evaluating; communicating. ASSESSMENT • The course will be assessed through a question paper (exam) and an assignment, which will be marked by SQA and graded A to D. • The question paper is worth 80 marks and makes up 80% of the total assessment mark. It has three sections - Democracy in the United Kingdom, Social Issues in the United Kingdom, and International Issues - which each contain questions on two topics. Learners must answer questions on one topic from each section. • The assignment is worth 20 marks and makes up 20% of the total assessment mark. Learners research and analyse a Modern Studies topic or issue of their choice, then present a written report on their findings.

What skills will my child develop? • Detailed knowledge and understanding of the main democratic processes, institutions and organisations in Scotland and/or the UK • Detailed knowledge and understanding of social and economic issues at local, Scottish, national and international levels and ways of addressing needs and inequalities • Awareness of different views about the extent of state involvement in society • The ability to detect and explain bias and exaggeration • An awareness of the nature and processes of conflict resolution • Straightforward understanding of human and legal rights and responsibilities and their application in different societies • A range of research and information handling skills • The ability to draw valid conclusions from evidence • Critical thinking skills such as explaining, analysing, evaluating Modern Studies SOCIAL STUDIES National 5 progresses onto Higher Modern Studies NATIONAL 5